LLC Formation
The most popular choice for small businesses and non-US founders. Flexible, simple to run, profits pass through to the owners. $149 + state fee.
Form an LLC →The most popular choice for small businesses and non-US founders. Flexible, simple to run, profits pass through to the owners. $149 + state fee.
Form an LLC →A corporation (or LLC) that elects S corporation tax status with the IRS. Can lower self-employment tax for US owners who pay themselves a salary.
S Corp formation →A standard corporation taxed at company level. Best for raising investment, issuing shares or many owners, including non-US owners.
C Corp formation →We file in any of the 50 states or Washington DC and pay the state fee at cost. Compare filing and annual fees for every state.
Fees by state →We apply to the IRS for your company’s Employer Identification Number, including for owners without an SSN or ITIN. $20 with any formation.
Start with EIN →A registered agent with a physical address in your state to receive legal and tax notices. $50 for the first year; renewal depends on the state.
Add a registered agent →Annual and biennial reports, franchise tax reminders, registered agent renewals, and help with federal filings such as Form 5472 for foreign-owned LLCs.
Get a compliance quote →Companies House registration for UK residents (£220) and non-residents (£270 all-in, including director ID verification and a registered address).
UK company formation →Ongoing bookkeeping, payroll, financial statements and tax planning so your company stays compliant after formation.
Accounting services →When you form an “Inc.”, the state creates a corporation. Whether it is an S corporation or a C corporation is a question of federal tax status, not a different kind of company under state law. Every corporation starts as a C corporation for tax purposes. It becomes an S corporation only if it files an election with the IRS (Form 2553) and meets the eligibility rules. An LLC can also elect to be taxed as an S corporation.
| S corporation | C corporation | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A tax election (IRS Form 2553) made by a corporation or LLC | The default tax status of a corporation |
| How profits are taxed | Pass through to the owners’ personal tax returns; no federal corporate income tax | Company pays federal corporate tax (currently 21%); dividends are taxed again for shareholders |
| Who can own it | Up to 100 shareholders, generally US citizens or US residents; one class of stock | Unlimited shareholders of any nationality, including companies; multiple classes of stock |
| Non-US owners | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Best for | US-resident owners who take a salary and want to reduce self-employment tax | Raising investment, issuing stock options, or foreign owners who want a corporation |
General information only, not tax advice. The right choice depends on where you live, how you’ll pay yourself and your plans for investment. Book a free consultation and we’ll recommend one.
Tell us about your business and we’ll recommend the right entity, state and add-ons. No obligation.